Chris Hani West District adds 10 athletes to provincial schools team
Success of event in Komani bodes well for the future
Athletes from the Chris Hani West District have been selected for the provincial team which is set to compete in national high school events later this year.
The provincial schools athletics event came to an end on Saturday at The Recreational ground in Komani.
The athletes selected include 15year-old Uhlanga Kelephu, who will represent the province in high jump, as well as the 100m hurdles.
Jeanore Merrington, 15, will also participate in the high jump, while 17year-old Joshua Jordan will compete in the 400m race and the long jump.
Lilitha Madodana, 17, will take part in the long jump and triple jump, while Sinonelisile Nkompela, 19, will take on other athletes in a 10km walk, and 14year-old Qhama Nombeleko will participate in the 5km walk.
Other members of the squad include Gregan Kerneels, 19, who will represent the province in the 200m and 400m races, as well as the long jump, while Akho Ngesi, also 19, will compete in the 200m and 400m sprints.
Ayathanda Mtyando, 19, will compete in the 100m and 200m sprints, and Axole Mgwa, 15, will take part in the high jump.
Eastern Cape Schools Athletics chairperson, Dalindyebo Nqadini, said: “Today is the last day of our event that started on Monday.
“The decision to come and host these athletics in Komani was to come and check the readiness of Komani and the Queen’s College ground to find out if we can use it as the province.
“Another reason was because Komani is the central area for the entire Eastern Cape.”
He said the provincial schools athletics event in Komani, held for the first time in the town, had been a great success.
“We are all happy and excited about the event and the success of it as well.
“Records have been broken. “We rate the success of the event with starting and finishing without any injuries,” he said.
Nqadini said Komani would be the first venue to be considered for upcoming sporting events for the province.
“If this place grows beyond what we see, we can also invite nationals to come down so that we can host the South African School Championships here, provided accommodation places can be improved.
“Everybody’s satisfaction with Komani may well lead to the hosting of provincial school athletics events at The Rec next year as well,” he said.